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Miyamoto JG, Kitano ES, Zelanis A, Nachtigall PG, Junqueira-de-Azevedo I, Sant'Anna SS, Lauria da Silva R, Bersanetti PA, Carmona AK, Barbosa Pereira PJ, Serrano SMT, Vilela Oliva ML, Tashima AK. A novel metalloproteinase-derived cryptide from Bothrops cotiara venom inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme activity. Biochimie 2024; 216:90-98. [PMID: 37839625 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Snake venoms are primarily composed of proteins and peptides, which selectively interact with specific molecular targets, disrupting prey homeostasis. Identifying toxins and the mechanisms involved in envenoming can lead to the discovery of new drugs based on natural peptide scaffolds. In this study, we used mass spectrometry-based peptidomics to sequence 197 peptides in the venom of Bothrops cotiara, including a novel 7-residue peptide derived from a snake venom metalloproteinase. This peptide, named Bc-7a, features a pyroglutamic acid at the N-terminal and a PFR motif at the C-terminal, homologous to bradykinin. Using FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) substrate assays, we demonstrated that Bc-7a strongly inhibits the two domains of angiotensin converting enzyme (Ki < 1 μM). Our findings contribute to the repertoire of biologically active peptides from snake venoms capable of inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), beyond current known structural motifs and precursors. In summary, we report a novel snake venom peptide with ACE inhibitory activity, suggesting its potential contribution to the hypotensive effect observed in envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Gabriel Miyamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Shigueo Kitano
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Butantan Institute, SP, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Zelanis
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo (ICT-UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Pedro Gabriel Nachtigall
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Butantan Institute, SP, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Inácio Junqueira-de-Azevedo
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Butantan Institute, SP, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rogério Lauria da Silva
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Pedro José Barbosa Pereira
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Solange M T Serrano
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling, Butantan Institute, SP, 05503-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Vilela Oliva
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Keiji Tashima
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Venom composition and pain-causing toxins of the Australian great carpenter bee Xylocopa aruana. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22168. [PMID: 36550366 PMCID: PMC9780326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26867-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Most species of bee are capable of delivering a defensive sting which is often painful. A solitary lifestyle is the ancestral state of bees and most extant species are solitary, but information on bee venoms comes predominantly from studies on eusocial species. In this study we investigated the venom composition of the Australian great carpenter bee, Xylocopa aruana Ritsema, 1876. We show that the venom is relatively simple, composed mainly of one small amphipathic peptide (XYTX1-Xa1a), with lesser amounts of an apamin homologue (XYTX2-Xa2a) and a venom phospholipase-A2 (PLA2). XYTX1-Xa1a is homologous to, and shares a similar mode-of-action to melittin and the bombilitins, the major components of the venoms of the eusocial Apis mellifera (Western honeybee) and Bombus spp. (bumblebee), respectively. XYTX1-Xa1a and melittin directly activate mammalian sensory neurons and cause spontaneous pain behaviours in vivo, effects which are potentiated in the presence of venom PLA2. The apamin-like peptide XYTX2-Xa2a was a relatively weak blocker of small conductance calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels and, like A. mellifera apamin and mast cell-degranulating peptide, did not contribute to pain behaviours in mice. While the composition and mode-of-action of the venom of X. aruana are similar to that of A. mellifera, the greater potency, on mammalian sensory neurons, of the major pain-causing component in A. mellifera venom may represent an adaptation to the distinct defensive pressures on eusocial Apidae.
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Venom-derived pain-causing toxins: insights into sensory neuron function and pain mechanisms. Pain 2022; 163:S46-S56. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Guido-Patiño JC, Plisson F. Profiling hymenopteran venom toxins: Protein families, structural landscape, biological activities, and pharmacological benefits. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100119. [PMID: 35372826 PMCID: PMC8971319 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hymenopterans are an untapped source of venom secretions. Their recent proteo-transcriptomic studies have revealed an extraordinary pool of toxins that participate in various biological processes, including pain, paralysis, allergic reactions, and antimicrobial activities. Comprehensive and clade-specific campaigns to collect hymenopteran venoms are therefore needed. We consider that data-driven bioprospecting may help prioritise sampling and alleviate associated costs. This work established the current protein landscape from hymenopteran venoms to evaluate possible sample bias by studying their origins, sequence diversity, known structures, and biological functions. We collected all 282 reported hymenopteran toxins (peptides and proteins) from the UniProt database that we clustered into 21 protein families from the three studied clades - wasps, bees, and ants. We identified 119 biological targets of hymenopteran toxins ranging from pathogen membranes to eukaryotic proteases, ion channels and protein receptors. Our systematic study further extended to hymenopteran toxins' therapeutic and biotechnological values, where we revealed promising applications in crop pests, human infections, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. The hymenopteran toxin diversity includes 21 protein families from 81 species. Some toxins are shared across wasps, bees and ants, others are clade-specific. Their venoms contain membrane-active peptides, neurotoxins, allergens and enzymes. Hymenopteran toxins have been tested against a total of 119 biological targets. Hymenopteran toxins were predominantly evaluated as anti-infective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Guido-Patiño
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del IPN (CINVESTAV), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para La Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, Mexico
| | - Fabien Plisson
- CONACYT, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del IPN (CINVESTAV), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para La Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, Mexico
- Corresponding author.
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Bioactive Peptides and Proteins from Wasp Venoms. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040527. [PMID: 35454116 PMCID: PMC9025469 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Wasps, members of the order Hymenoptera, use their venom for predation and defense. Accordingly, their venoms contain various constituents acting on the circulatory, immune and nervous systems. Wasp venom possesses many allergens, enzymes, bioactive peptides, amino acids, biogenic amines, and volatile matters. In particular, some peptides show potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and anticoagulant activity. Additionally, proteinous components from wasp venoms can cause tissue damage or allergic reactions in organisms. These bioactive peptides and proteins involved in wasp predation and defense may be potential sources of lead pharmaceutically active molecules. In this review, we focus on the advances in bioactive peptides and protein from the venom of wasps and their biological effects, as well as the allergic reactions and immunotherapy induced by the wasp venom.
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Alberto-Silva C, Vieira Portaro FC, Kodama RT, Pantaleão HQ, Inagaki H, Nihei KI, Konno K. Comprehensive Analysis and Biological Characterization of Venom Components from Solitary Scoliid Wasp Campsomeriella annulata annulata. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:885. [PMID: 34941722 PMCID: PMC8708821 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms of solitary wasps are utilized for prey capture (insects and spiders), paralyzing them with a stinger injection to be offered as food for their larvae. Thus, the identification and characterization of the components of solitary wasp venoms can have biotechnological application. In the present study, the venom components profile of a solitary scoliid wasp, Campsomeriella annulata annulata, was investigated through a comprehensive analysis using LC-MS and -MS/MS. Online mass fingerprinting revealed that the venom extract contains 138 components, and MS/MS analysis identified 44 complete sequences of the peptide components. The peptides are broadly divided into two classes: bradykinin-related peptides, and linear α-helical peptides. Among the components of the first class, the two main peptides, α-campsomerin (PRLRRLTGLSPLR) and β-campsomerin (PRLRRLTGLSPLRAP), had their biological activities evaluated. Both peptides had no effects on metallopeptidases [human neprilysin (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)] and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and had no cytotoxic effects. Studies with PC12 neuronal cells showed that only α-campsomerin was able to enhance cell viability, while β-campsomerin had no effect. It is noteworthy that the only difference between the primary structures from these peptides is the presence of the AP extension at the C-terminus of β-campsomerin, compared to α-campsomerin. Among the linear α-helical peptides, annulatin (ISEALKSIIVG-NH2) was evaluated for its biological activities. Annulatin showed histamine releasing activity from mast cells and low hemolytic activity, but no antimicrobial activities against all microbes tested were observed. Thus, in addition to providing unprecedented information on the whole components, the three peptides selected for the study suggest that molecules present in solitary scoliid wasp venoms may have interesting biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory, Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo 09606-070, SP, Brazil;
| | - Fernanda Calheta Vieira Portaro
- Structure and Functions of Biomolecules Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (F.C.V.P.); (R.T.K.)
| | - Roberto Tadashi Kodama
- Structure and Functions of Biomolecules Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (F.C.V.P.); (R.T.K.)
| | - Halyne Queiroz Pantaleão
- Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory, Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo 09606-070, SP, Brazil;
| | - Hidetoshi Inagaki
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan;
| | - Ken-ichi Nihei
- School of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya 321-8505, Tochigi, Japan;
| | - Katsuhiro Konno
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Toyama, Japan
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Dashevsky D, Rodriguez J. A Short Review of the Venoms and Toxins of Spider Wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae). Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110744. [PMID: 34822528 PMCID: PMC8622703 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitoid wasps represent the plurality of venomous animals, but have received extremely little research in proportion to this taxonomic diversity. The lion’s share of investigation into insect venoms has focused on eusocial hymenopterans, but even this small sampling shows great promise for the development of new active substances. The family Pompilidae is known as the spider wasps because of their reproductive habits which include hunting for spiders, delivering a paralyzing sting, and entombing them in burrows with one of the wasp’s eggs to serve as food for the developing larva. The largest members of this family, especially the tarantula hawks of the genus Pepsis, have attained notoriety for their large size, dramatic coloration, long-term paralysis of their prey, and incredibly painful defensive stings. In this paper we review the existing research regarding the composition and function of pompilid venoms, discuss parallels from other venom literatures, identify possible avenues for the adaptation of pompilid toxins towards human purposes, and future directions of inquiry for the field.
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Abstract
Die Allergenimmuntherapie (AIT) ist – neben der oft nicht suffizient durchzuführenden Allergenmeidung – die einzige kausale Therapie Ig(Immunglobulin)E-vermittelter Allergien gegen Aeroallergene und Hymenopterengifte. Sie kann je nach Allergen als subkutane Injektion (subkutane Immuntherapie [SCIT]) oder über eine sublinguale Applikation (sublinguale Immuntherapie [SLIT]) erfolgen, kürzlich wurde zudem auch ein Verfahren zur oralen Immuntherapie zur Behandlung der Nahrungsmittelallergie zugelassen. Neben der korrekten Indikationsstellung (positive Anamnese und Diagnostik einer IgE-vermittelten Allergie, Allergenkarenz nicht ausreichend möglich) sind mögliche Kontraindikationen und Risikofaktoren zu beachten. Zudem kann es unter einer AIT zu – potenziell auch lebensgefährlichen – Nebenwirkungen kommen. Im Folgenden sollen häufig gestellte Fragen und Fakten zur Entscheidungsfindung für die Durchführung und zum Risikomanagement der AIT beleuchtet und unter Berücksichtigung der aktuellen Datenlage diskutiert werden.
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Nihei KI, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Lange AB, Konno K. Isolation and characterization of FMRFamide-like peptides in the venoms of solitary sphecid wasps. Peptides 2021; 142:170575. [PMID: 34023397 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purification of small peptide components in the venoms of the solitary sphecid wasps, Sphex argentatus argentatus and Isodontia harmandi, led to the isolation of several major peptides. Analysis of MS/MS spectra by MALDI-TOF/TOF revealed the sequence of a new peptide Sa112 (EDVDHVFLRF-NH2), which is structurally very similar to leucomyosupressin (pQDVDHVFLRF-NH2) and SchistoFLRFamide (PDVDHVFLRF-NH2), the FMRFamide-like peptides from cockroach and locust, respectively. Indeed, this new peptide, like SchistoFLRFamide, inhibited the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions of the locust oviduct in a dose-dependent manner. A non-amidated peptide Sa12b (EDVDHVFLRF) was also isolated, but this peptide had no effect on spontaneous locust oviduct contraction. This is the first example of a FMRF-like peptide to be found in solitary wasp venom. Additionally, a truncated form of the myosuppressins, which has previously been synthesized and tested for biological activity, DVDHVFLRF-NH2 (Sh5b), was found for the first time as a natural product. Four other novel peptides were isolated and characterized as Sa81 (EDDLEDFNPTVS), Sa10 (EDDLEDFNPTIA), Sh41 (DDLSDFNPKV), and Sh42 (EDDLSDFNPKV). They are structurally related to each other, having a high content of acidic amino acids, but no structural similarity to any known peptides. Ion channel associated activities of Sh41 and Sh42 were tested, but did not show any activity for Na+, K+, Ca2+ channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Ichi Nihei
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, Tochigi 321-0943, Japan
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angela B Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Katsuhiro Konno
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.
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Alberto-Silva C, Portaro FCV, Kodama RT, Pantaleão HQ, Rangel M, Nihei KI, Konno K. Novel neuroprotective peptides in the venom of the solitary scoliid wasp Scolia decorata ventralis. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200171. [PMID: 34194483 PMCID: PMC8215932 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Solitary wasp venoms may be a rich source of neuroactive substances, since their venoms are used for paralyzing preys. We have been exploring bioactive constituents of solitary wasp venoms and, in this study, the component profile of the venom from a solitary scoliid wasp, Scolia decorata ventralis, was investigated through a comprehensive analysis using LC-MS. Two peptides were synthesized, and their neuroprotective properties were evaluated. Methods A reverse-phase HPLC connected to ESI-MS was used for LC-MS analyses. Online mass fingerprinting was performed from TIC, and data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry gave the MS/MS spectra. The sequences of two major peptide components were determined by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS analysis, confirmed by solid phase synthesis. Using the synthetic peptides, biological activities were assessed. Cell integrity tests and neuroprotection analyzes using H2O2 as an oxidative stress inducer were performed for both peptides. Results Online mass fingerprinting revealed that the venom contains 123 components, and the MS/MS analysis resulted in 33 full sequences of peptide components. The two main peptides, α-scoliidine (DYVTVKGFSPLR) and β-scoliidine (DYVTVKGFSPLRKA), present homology with the bradykinin C-terminal. Despite this, both peptides did not behave as substrates or inhibitors of ACE, indicating that they do not interact with this metallopeptidase. In further studies, β-scoliidine, but not α -scoliidine, showed protective effects against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells through integrity and metabolism cell assays. Interestingly, β-scoliidine has the extension of the KA dipeptide at the C-terminal in comparison with α-scoliidine. Conclusion Comprehensive LC-MS and MS/MS analyses from the Scolia decorata ventralis venom displayed the component profile of this venom. β-scoliidine showed an effective cytoprotective effect, probably due to the observed increase in the number of cells. This is the first report of solitary wasp venom peptides showing neuroprotective activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Halyne Queiroz Pantaleão
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marisa Rangel
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ken-Ichi Nihei
- Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Konno
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Wasp Venom Biochemical Components and Their Potential in Biological Applications and Nanotechnological Interventions. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13030206. [PMID: 33809401 PMCID: PMC8000949 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Wasps, members of the order Hymenoptera, are distributed in different parts of the world, including Brazil, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and Argentina. The lifestyles of the wasps are solitary and social. Social wasps use venom as a defensive measure to protect their colonies, whereas solitary wasps use their venom to capture prey. Chemically, wasp venom possesses a wide variety of enzymes, proteins, peptides, volatile compounds, and bioactive constituents, which include phospholipase A2, antigen 5, mastoparan, and decoralin. The bioactive constituents have anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the limited quantities of wasp venom and the scarcity of advanced strategies for the synthesis of wasp venom’s bioactive compounds remain a challenge facing the effective usage of wasp venom. Solid-phase peptide synthesis is currently used to prepare wasp venom peptides and their analogs such as mastoparan, anoplin, decoralin, polybia-CP, and polydim-I. The goal of the current review is to highlight the medicinal value of the wasp venom compounds, as well as limitations and possibilities. Wasp venom could be a potential and novel natural source to develop innovative pharmaceuticals and new agents for drug discovery.
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Molecular composition of the paralyzing venom of three solitary wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) collected in southeast Mexico. Toxicon 2019; 168:98-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Xin B, Liu P, Xu X, Zhang S, Zheng Y. Identification of Venom Proteins of the Indigenous Endoparasitoid Chouioia cunea (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 110:2022-2030. [PMID: 28981711 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tox200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Chouioia cunea (Yang) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is an indigenous pupal endoparasitoid that effectively attacks the exotic fall webworm Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) in China. In this novel association, the parasitoid's venom has played an important role in subduing the immune defense of the host although little is known about the composition and functions of the parasitoid's venom. We therefore first identified the parasitoid's major venom proteins using electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Approximately 207 different proteins were identified from C. cunea's venom; among them 26 types widely existed in other endoparasitoids' venom, including calreticulin and arginine kinase, which inhibited the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Xin
- College of Forestry, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Peixuan Liu
- College of Forestry, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xiaorui Xu
- College of Forestry, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- College of Forestry, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Yanan Zheng
- College of Forestry, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
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Nôga DAMF, Brandão LEM, Cagni FC, Silva D, de Azevedo DLO, Araújo A, Dos Santos WF, Miranda A, da Silva RH, Ribeiro AM. Anticonvulsant Effects of Fractions Isolated from Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) Ant Venom (Formicidae: Ponerinae). Toxins (Basel) 2016; 9:toxins9010005. [PMID: 28025529 PMCID: PMC5308238 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products, sources of new pharmacological substances, have large chemical diversity and architectural complexity. In this context, some toxins obtained from invertebrate venoms have anticonvulsant effects. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects about 65 million people worldwide, and approximately 30% of cases are resistant to pharmacological treatment. Previous studies from our group show that the denatured venom of the ant Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) protects mice against bicuculline (BIC)-induced seizures and death. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of compounds isolated from D. quadriceps venom against seizures induced by BIC in mice. Crude venom was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulting in six fractions referred to as DqTx1-DqTx6. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis revealed a major 431 Da compound in fractions DqTx1 and DqTx2. Fractions DqTx3 and DqTx4 showed a compound of 2451 Da and DqTx5 revealed a 2436 Da compound. Furthermore, the DqTx6 fraction exhibited a major component with a molecular weight of 13,196 Da. Each fraction (1 mg/mL) was microinjected into the lateral ventricle of mice, and the animals were observed in an open field. We did not observe behavioral alterations when the fractions were given alone. Conversely, when the fractions were microinjected 20 min prior to the administration of BIC (21.6 nM), DqTx1, DqTx4, and DqTx6 fractions increased the latency for onset of tonic-clonic seizures. Moreover, all fractions, except DqTx5, increased latency to death. The more relevant result was obtained with the DqTx6 fraction, which protected 62.5% of the animals against tonic-clonic seizures. Furthermore, this fraction protected 100% of the animals from seizure episodes followed by death. Taken together, these findings indicate that compounds from ant venom might be a potential source of new anticonvulsants molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernanda Carvalho Cagni
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | - Delano Silva
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | | | - Arrilton Araújo
- Physiology Department, University Federal of Rio Grande of Norte, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil.
| | | | - Antonio Miranda
- Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil.
| | - Regina Helena da Silva
- Pharmacology Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil.
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Mortari MR, Cunha AOS, Carolino ROG, Silva JDCE, Lopes NP, Santos WFD. Evaluation of Thr 6-bradykinin purified from Polybia occidentalis wasp venom in the choline uptake of mammal cortices. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2016; 54:3169-3171. [PMID: 27564011 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2016.1211715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thr6-bradykinin is a peptide found in the venom of social and solitary wasps. This kinin, along with other bradykinin-like peptides, is known to cause irreversible paralysis in insects by presynaptic blockade of cholinergic transmission. However, this activity has never been tested in mammals. OBJECTIVE As such, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Thr6-bradykinin on the cholinergic system of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The peptide was isolated from the venom of the Neotropical social wasp Polybia occidentalis Olivier (Vespidae). After correct identification and quantification by ESI-MS and MS/MS, the peptide was tested in [14C]-choline uptake using rat cortical synaptosomes. Each uptake assay was accompanied by lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) activity measurement to evaluate synaptosome integrity in the presence of six increasing concentrations of BK or Thr6-BK (0.039, 0.156, 0.625, 2.500, 10.000 and 40.000 μM). RESULTS Data revealed that neither BK nor Thr6-BK at any of the six concentrations tested (from 0.039 to 40.000 μM) affected [14C]-choline uptake in synaptosomes. Moreover, there was no increase in LDH in the supernatants, indicating that BK and Thr6-BK did not disrupt the synaptosomes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION In contrast to previous reports for the insect central nervous system (CNS), Thr6-BK had no effect on mammalian cholinergic transmission. Nevertheless, this selectivity for the insect CNS, combined with its irreversible mode of action may be relevant to the discovery of new sources of insecticides and could contribute to understanding the role of kinins in the mammalian CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Renata Mortari
- a Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences , Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília , Brasília , Brazil
| | - Alexandra Olimpio Siqueira Cunha
- d Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Department of Biology, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Ruither Oliveira Gomes Carolino
- b Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Juliana de Castro E Silva
- a Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences , Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília , Brasília , Brazil
| | - Norberto Peporine Lopes
- c Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Wagner Ferreira Dos Santos
- d Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Department of Biology, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
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Peptide Toxins in Solitary Wasp Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:114. [PMID: 27096870 PMCID: PMC4848640 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8040114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Solitary wasps paralyze insects or spiders with stinging venom and feed the paralyzed preys to their larva. Accordingly, the venoms should contain a variety of constituents acting on nervous systems. However, only a few solitary wasp venoms have been chemically studied despite thousands of species inhabiting the planet. We have surveyed bioactive substances in solitary wasp venoms found in Japan and discovered a variety of novel bioactive peptides. Pompilidotoxins (PMTXs), in the venoms of the pompilid wasps Anoplius samariensis and Batozonellus maculifrons, are small peptides consisting of 13 amino acids without a disulfide bond. PMTXs slowed Na⁺ channel inactivation, in particular against neuronal type Na⁺ channels, and were rather selective to the Nav1.6 channel. Mastoparan-like cytolytic and antimicrobial peptides are the major components of eumenine wasp venoms. They are rich in hydrophobic and basic amino acids, adopting a α-helical secondary structure, and showing mast cell degranulating, antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. The venom of the spider wasp Cyphononyx fulvognathus contained four bradykinin-related peptides. They are hyperalgesic and, dependent on the structure, differently associated with B₁ or B₂ receptors. Further survey led to the isolation of leucomyosuppressin-like FMRFamide peptides from the venoms of the digger wasps Sphex argentatus and Isodontia harmandi. These results of peptide toxins in solitary wasp venoms from our studies are summarized.
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White SR, Kadavakollu S. Bradykinin in Hemipepsis ustulata: A novel method for safely milking wasps. Toxicon 2016; 117:49-52. [PMID: 26996494 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Wasp venom characterization is of interest across multiple disciplines such as medicinal chemistry and evolutionary biology. A simple method is described herein to milk wasp venom without undue risks to the researcher. The wasps were immobilized by cooling for safe handling, restrained, and their venom was collected on parafilm. Bradykinin from Hemipepsis ustulata was identified by LC-MS/MS during method verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn R White
- Western New Mexico University, Department of Chemistry, 1000 W. College Ave, Silver City, NM 88061, USA.
| | - Samuel Kadavakollu
- Western New Mexico University, Department of Chemistry, 1000 W. College Ave, Silver City, NM 88061, USA.
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dos Anjos LC, Gomes FMM, do Couto LL, Mourão CA, Moreira KG, Silva LP, Mortari MR. Anxiolytic activity and evaluation of potentially adverse effects of a bradykinin-related peptide isolated from a social wasp venom. Life Sci 2016; 149:153-9. [PMID: 26898126 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.02.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are major health problems in terms of costs stemming from sick leave, disabilities, healthcare and premature mortality. Despite the availability of classic anxiolytics, some anxiety disorders are still resistant to treatment, with higher rates of adverse effects. In this respect, several toxins isolated from arthropod venoms are useful in identifying new compounds to treat neurological disorders, particularly pathological anxiety. Thus, the aims of this study were to identify and characterize an anxiolytic peptide isolated from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista. The peptide was identified as Polisteskinin R, with nominal molecular mass [M+H](+)=1301Da and primary structure consisting of Ala-Arg-Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Thr-Pro-Phe-Arg-OH. The anxiolytic effect was tested using the elevated plus maze test. Moreover, adverse effects on the spontaneous behavior and motor coordination of animals were assessed using the open field and rotarod tests. Polisteskinin R induced a dose-dependent anxiolytic effect. Animals treated with the peptide and diazepam spent significantly more time into the open arms when compared to the groups treated with the vehicle and pentylenetetrazole. No significant differences in spontaneous behavior or motor coordination were observed between the groups, showing that the peptide was well tolerated. The interaction by agonists in both known BK receptors induces a variability of physiological effects; Polisteskinin R can act on these receptors, inducing modulatory activity and thus, attenuating anxiety behaviors. The results of this study demonstrated that the compound Polisteskinin R exerted potent anxiolytic effects and its analogues are promising candidates for experimental pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Carneiro dos Anjos
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Graduate Program of Animal Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Flávia Maria Medeiros Gomes
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Graduate Program of Animal Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Lucianna Lopes do Couto
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Cecília Alves Mourão
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Luciano Paulino Silva
- Graduate Program of Animal Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Graduate Program of Animal Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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Lee SH, Baek JH, Yoon KA. Differential Properties of Venom Peptides and Proteins in Solitary vs. Social Hunting Wasps. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:32. [PMID: 26805885 PMCID: PMC4773785 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary functions of venoms from solitary and social wasps are different. Whereas most solitary wasps sting their prey to paralyze and preserve it, without killing, as the provisions for their progeny, social wasps usually sting to defend their colonies from vertebrate predators. Such distinctive venom properties of solitary and social wasps suggest that the main venom components are likely to be different depending on the wasps' sociality. The present paper reviews venom components and properties of the Aculeata hunting wasps, with a particular emphasis on the comparative aspects of venom compositions and properties between solitary and social wasps. Common components in both solitary and social wasp venoms include hyaluronidase, phospholipase A2, metalloendopeptidase, etc. Although it has been expected that more diverse bioactive components with the functions of prey inactivation and physiology manipulation are present in solitary wasps, available studies on venom compositions of solitary wasps are simply too scarce to generalize this notion. Nevertheless, some neurotoxic peptides (e.g., pompilidotoxin and dendrotoxin-like peptide) and proteins (e.g., insulin-like peptide binding protein) appear to be specific to solitary wasp venom. In contrast, several proteins, such as venom allergen 5 protein, venom acid phosphatase, and various phospholipases, appear to be relatively more specific to social wasp venom. Finally, putative functions of main venom components and their application are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Hyeock Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea.
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea.
| | - Ji Hyeong Baek
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Korea.
| | - Kyungjae Andrew Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea.
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Dias NB, de Souza BM, Gomes PC, Brigatte P, Palma MS. Peptidome profiling of venom from the social wasp Polybia paulista. Toxicon 2015; 107:290-303. [PMID: 26303042 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Most crude venom from Polybia paulista is composed of short, linear peptides; however, only five of these peptides are structurally and functionally characterized. Therefore, the peptides in this venom were profiled using an HPLC-IT-TOF/MS and MS(n) system. The presence of type -d and -w ions that are generated from the fragmentation of the side chains was used to resolve I/L ambiguity. The distinction between K and Q residues was achieved through esterification of the α- and ε-amino groups in the peptide chains, followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Fourteen major peptides were detected in P. paulista venom and sequenced; all the peptides were synthesized on solid-phase and submitted to a series of bioassays. Five of them had been previously characterized, and nine were novel toxins. The novel peptides correspond to two wasp kinins, two chemotactic components, three mastoparans, and two peptides of unknown function. The seven novel peptides with identified functions appear to act synergistically with the previously known ones, constituting three well-known families of peptide toxins (wasp kinins, chemotactic peptides, and mastoparans) in the venom of social wasps. These multifunctional toxins can cause pain, oedema formation, haemolysis, chemotaxis of PMNLs, and mast cell degranulation in victims who are stung by wasps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Batista Dias
- Dept. Biology/CEIS, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Brazil
| | - Bibiana Monson de Souza
- Dept. Biology/CEIS, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Brazil
| | - Paulo Cesar Gomes
- Dept. Biology/CEIS, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Brazil
| | - Patricia Brigatte
- Dept. Biology/CEIS, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Dept. Biology/CEIS, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Brazil.
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Pharmacological Alternatives for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Wasp and Bee Venoms and Their Components as New Neuroactive Tools. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:3179-209. [PMID: 26295258 PMCID: PMC4549745 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7083179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are relentlessly progressive, severely impacting affected patients, families and society as a whole. Increased life expectancy has made these diseases more common worldwide. Unfortunately, available drugs have insufficient therapeutic effects on many subtypes of these intractable diseases, and adverse effects hamper continued treatment. Wasp and bee venoms and their components are potential means of managing or reducing these effects and provide new alternatives for the control of neurodegenerative diseases. These venoms and their components are well-known and irrefutable sources of neuroprotectors or neuromodulators. In this respect, the present study reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms of action and future prospects regarding the use of new drugs derived from wasp and bee venom in the treatment of major neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
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Campeiro JD, Neshich IP, Sant’Anna OA, Lopes R, Ianzer D, Assakura MT, Neshich G, Hayashi MA. Identification of snake bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs)-simile sequences in rat brain – Potential BPP-like precursor protein? Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 96:202-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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23
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Yamane ES, Bizerra FC, Oliveira EB, Moreira JT, Rajabi M, Nunes GL, de Souza AO, da Silva ID, Yamane T, Karpel RL, Silva PI, Hayashi MA. Unraveling the antifungal activity of a South American rattlesnake toxin crotamine. Biochimie 2013; 95:231-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2012.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Gene expression analysis by ESTs sequencing of the Brazilian frog Phyllomedusa nordestina skin glands. Toxicon 2012; 61:139-50. [PMID: 23159791 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 10/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The subfamily Phyllomedusinae has attracted a great interest of many researchers mainly due to the high diversity of these frog species and plethora of pharmacological activities frequently observed for their skin secretions. Despite of this fact, mainly for new species, limited information is available regarding the molecular composition of these skin secretions and the cellular components involved in their production. Phyllomedusa nordestina is a recently described Brazilian frog species also popularly known as 'tree-frogs'. Aiming at contributing to the biological knowledge of this species, we show here the gene expression profile of this frog skin secretion using a global ESTs analysis of a cDNA library. The marked aspect of this analysis revealed a significant higher transcriptional level of the opioid peptide dermorphins in P. nordestina skin secretion than in Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis, which is its closest related species, belonging both to the same phylogenetic group. Precursors of bioactive peptides as dermaseptins, phylloseptins, tryptophyllins, and bradykinin-like peptideswere also found in this library. Transcripts encoding proteins related to ordinary cellular functions and pathways were also described. Some of them are chiefly involved in the production of the skin secretion. Taken together, the data reported here constitute a contribution to the characterization of the molecular diversity of gene-encoded polypeptides with potential possibility of pharmacological exploitation. The transcriptional composition of the skin secretion may also help to give the necessary support for the definition of P. nordestina as a new species, which actually relies basically on frog morphological characteristics and geographical distribution.
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Mortari MR, do Couto LL, dos Anjos LC, Mourão CBF, Camargos TS, Vargas JAG, Oliveira FN, Gati CDC, Schwartz CA, Schwartz EF. Pharmacological characterization of Synoeca cyanea venom: An aggressive social wasp widely distributed in the Neotropical region. Toxicon 2012; 59:163-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Revised: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Ratcliffe NA, Mello CB, Garcia ES, Butt TM, Azambuja P. Insect natural products and processes: new treatments for human disease. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 41:747-69. [PMID: 21658450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In this overview, some of the more significant recent developments in bioengineering natural products from insects with use or potential use in modern medicine are described, as well as in utilisation of insects as models for studying essential mammalian processes such as immune responses to pathogens. To date, insects have been relatively neglected as sources of modern drugs although they have provided valuable natural products, including honey and silk, for at least 4-7000 years, and have featured in folklore medicine for thousands of years. Particular examples of Insect Folk Medicines will briefly be described which have subsequently led through the application of molecular and bioengineering techniques to the development of bioactive compounds with great potential as pharmaceuticals in modern medicine. Insect products reviewed have been derived from honey, venom, silk, cantharidin, whole insect extracts, maggots, and blood-sucking arthropods. Drug activities detected include powerful antimicrobials against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and HIV, as well as anti-cancer, anti-angiogenesis and anti-coagulant factors and wound healing agents. Finally, the many problems in developing these insect products as human therapeutic drugs are considered and the possible solutions emerging to these problems are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman A Ratcliffe
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21045-900, RJ, Brazil.
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Brigatte P, Cury Y, de Souza BM, Baptista-Saidemberg NB, Saidemberg DM, Gutierrez VP, Palma MS. Hyperalgesic and edematogenic effects of peptides isolated from the venoms of honeybee (Apis mellifera) and neotropical social wasps (Polybia paulista and Protonectarina sylveirae). Amino Acids 2010; 40:101-11. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0512-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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